How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home (Hot or Iced!)

I was never a PSL girl. It was never a Starbucks event I waited all year for (that’s saved for you, peppermint mocha). BUT once I discovered how to make my own pumpkin spice lattes (that I could vary the sweetness, caffeine, and cinnamon to my liking) it’s safe to say I’ve gotten pretty hooked. There’s no other drink that quite signals fall like the cozy comfort of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Whether you love sipping it steamy on a crisp morning or iced in the afternoon sunshine, making your own PSL at home is easier than you think. This homemade version is rich, flavorful, and, best of all, customizable—plus, you can make it any time of year you want!

Check out the recipe below and let me know how you enjoy it!

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Base:

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Latte:

• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1–2 shots of espresso or 1/2–3/4 cup strong brewed coffee (these nespresso pods are my go to!)
• Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish

How to Make a Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte

1. Make the Pumpkin Base:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor. Heating this base to get all the ingredients blended together well is crucial to the flavor!
2. Add Milk & Vanilla:
   Whisk in the milk and vanilla extract. Heat until warm and steamy but not boiling. Froth the milk mixture with a milk frother. Or, pour into this handy steamer/frother and it does all the work for you!

*For an iced latte – Skip the heat/steam step and go straight to the frothing!

3. Brew Espresso or Coffee:
   Brew your espresso or strong coffee and pour it into your favorite mug. Add ice for an iced latte.
4. Combine & Top:
   Pour the pumpkin-spiced milk over the coffee. Stir gently and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Cozy up and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Make It Sweeter: Add more maple syrup or a splash of vanilla syrup (like this one) if you prefer a sweeter latte.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a creamy non-dairy version.
• Double the Batch: Make a bigger batch of the pumpkin base and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days to make PSLs all week long!
• Add Cold Foam: For iced lattes, top with cold foam (pumpkin cream or maple are both exquisite for this drink!) as the perfect way to complete this drink.

Once you’ve tried a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, you might never go back to the store bought version. It’s cozy, customizable, and the perfect way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen—hot or iced.

Let me know in the comments: are you Team Hot PSL or Team Iced?